Postdoctoral Research Fellow

The Climate Dynamics Lab is seeking a talented and creative postdoctoral researcher to advance understanding of extreme temperatures in a changing climate. Candidates should have a high level of technical skill in data analysis and/or computational modelling, and a strong background in atmospheric science, climate dynamics, geophysical fluid dynamics, or a relevant physical science. The position is initially available for two years with the possibility of extension depending on funding availability. 

Role: As a postdoctoral researcher at St Andrews, you will have the opportunity to explore at least one of several research questions under the broad theme of extreme temperatures and climate change, including:

• What dynamical and energetic processes constrain how extreme temperatures, both in the tropics and at higher latitudes, respond to climate change?
• By what mechanisms do extreme-temperature events couple to the land surface and boundary-layer humidity?
• Are there asymmetries in the response of extremes to a warming versus a cooling climate? What physical mechanisms control these asymmetries?
• Can large uncertainties in extreme-temperature projections be narrowed using novel emergent constraints?

Depending on your interests and expertise, these questions could be addressed using a range of approaches, including theory, running climate simulations, and novel analyses of model and observational data. Interested candidates are encouraged to contact the project lead (Dr Michael Byrne) to discuss potential research topics and approaches.

Environment: This position is part of the ERC-funded GLOBAL-EX project, the goal of which is to use a hierarchy of climate models, observations, and physical theory to advance fundamental understanding of extreme temperatures. You will join a vibrant team, the Climate Dynamics Lab, dedicated to addressing a range of related questions. In addition, as part of the COASt (Climate, Ocean, and Atmosphere @ St Andrews) group, you will share ideas and expertise with a diverse team of scientists studying past, present, and future climate. More broadly, St Andrews is a growing centre of excellence for climate science and – in partnership with the UK’s National Centre for Atmospheric Science (NCAS) – the University has recently established a new research hub focused on climate and AI.

Requirements: You will have:

• A PhD (or shortly expected to achieve) or equivalent in physical, mathematical, or Earth sciences;
• Enthusiasm for understanding extreme temperatures and their response to climate change;
• Strong programming skills (in Python or another appropriate language), strong quantitative skills, and experience in scientific data analysis and visualisation;
• A creative approach to problem solving and an excitement to be part of, and contribute to a research environment.

Informal enquiries, including for discussion of potential research topics, can be addressed to Dr Michael Byrne (mpb20@st-andrews.ac.uk). 

Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the St Andrews experience and form a central pillar of the University Strategy.  We strive to create a fair and inclusive culture demonstrated through our commitment to diversity awards (Athena Swan, Carer Positive, LGBT Charter and Race Charters). We celebrate diversity by promoting profiles of BAME, LGBTIQ+ staff and supporting networks including the Staff BAME Network; Staff with Disabilities Network; Staff LGBTIQ+ Network; and the Staff Parents & Carers Network.  Full details available online: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/edi/

Closing Date: 23 September 2024                        Interview Date: 8 October 2024 (tentative)

Please quote ref:  AR3025SB        

The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland (No SC013532).

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